Choosing a Veterinarian: How to Find the Best Vet for Your Pet
Our pets are a big and important part of our family. Just like human parents want to find a great pediatrician for their children, pet parents want to find the best vet for their pets. There are many reasons why pet parents need to connect with local vets to care for their dogs and cats, and it can be difficult to decide which one would be a good fit. Luckily, we’re here to help!
Good Vets: Why They’re Important
Just like humans, our pets need regular care to help them live healthy and happy lives. That’s why it’s so important to find a great local veterinarian who you can trust.
“Finding a good vet is very important because they basically become your partner in your pet’s health journey,” says Dr. Kelly Hood, a small animal general practitioner and veterinary representative for Pet Portraits. “A skilled vet doesn’t only treat illnesses, they also help prevent them. They’ll know your pet’s history and be able to pick up on subtle changes and guide you through critical decisions. It’s pretty much the same as having a family doctor for your pet.”
Connecting with vets in the area can give you easy access to care when your pet needs it most. Let’s review some tips to help you find the best vet near you!
5 Tips for Finding the Best Vet Near You
A natural concern for pet parents is ensuring the well-being of their pets. You may be wondering, “How do I find the best vet near me? Can I really trust internet results?” Nearby veterinarians are always a great place to start, but there’s a lot more for you to consider when looking for a veterinarian.
“The best place to find a great vet is through recommendations,” advises Dr. Helle Brandrup, a certified veterinarian and wellness advocate. “As a veterinarian myself, most clients tell me that they were recommended by friends or family. No one is going to market their vet’s services for free if they are not exceptional at their job.”
When to search
Planning is key when looking for great care for your pet. Before you welcome a dog or cat into your home, searching for vets in the area is just as important as getting supplies. Ideally, your pet should see a veterinarian for a checkup within the first few days of bringing them home.
Where to look
One option for finding a vet is an internet search. Here are some search terms to try:
- Best veterinarian near me
- Best veterinarians near me
- Local veterinarians
- Best rated vets near me
You can also use GreatPetCare’s Find a Vet tool to easily search for veterinarians nearby.
It’s a good idea to begin your search within a smaller radius of your home. You want access to your pet’s care to be convenient and close, especially if an emergency arises. Most locations have several vets in the area, so you will most likely have options to choose from.
Who to ask
Word of mouth is usually the best place to start. Talk to your neighbors and friends and family who are local to your area. Ask them which vet they use and why. Hearing first-hand accounts from people you know is always a good idea because you can ask follow-up questions and get a sense of how the provider treats their clients.
You also may know someone who isn’t nearby but can recommend a practice with multiple locations, so don’t rule out asking pet parents who are farther away. If you don’t know many people in your area, you can reach out to professionals who work with animals, such as:
- Trainers
- Breeders
- Groomers
- Local shelters
- Local pet stores
If you’re moving to a new area, you can also ask your current vet for recommendations. Good veterinarians will want to ensure your pet continues to have access to great care, especially after they have formed a bond with your pet. Don’t shy away from asking professionals for advice!
What to research
So, you’ve got some names of local vets. What now? Before you give them a call, you should do a little research. Some searching online can give you lots of information to help you make your decision, including:
- Online reviews of the practice
- Credentials and accreditations from organizations such as the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
- Professional associations, such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Designation as a Cat-Friendly practice (if searching for your feline friend)
Try not to get too bogged down with the research. This step will help you get a sense of the provider and their practice, but it should not be the deciding factor. As Dr. Hood points out, “One thing you shouldn’t do is only rely on online reviews.”
Visit before committing
You’ve got the recommendations, you’ve done the research, but there’s another important step to take before committing to a new vet. Just like you wouldn’t buy a car before sitting in it and giving it a test drive, you should physically go to see the office of the vet you are considering.
When you get to the vet’s practice, be sure to take in the vibe. Make note of the pet parents who are there. Do they seem stressed or relaxed? Is the waiting room chaotic or orderly? How does the staff interact with the pets, pet parents and each other? Is the facility clean?
You will know whether or not you get a good feeling from the practice based on how the facility looks and the interactions you see. You can learn a lot from simply observing!
Questions to Ask a Vet Before You Decide
When you go check out a veterinary practice, you should arrange (ahead of time) to speak to the vet while you are there. There are several questions to ask a veterinarian as part of your research, so let’s review some of the most important ones.
Their experience
One size does not fit all in the world of veterinary medicine. While vets are trained to care for all animals, some specialize in particular breeds or species. Ask the vet what their experience is with your pet’s breed. As they talk about their experience, you can gauge whether they will be able to provide the level of care you expect for your pet.
Hours and availability
As we all know, life happens. Emergencies tend to pop up outside of regular office hours, so what is the vet’s availability? Ask the vet what their hours of operation are and how long patients typically need to wait for an appointment when requested. Many vets offer same-day emergency visits for an additional fee, as well as after-hours emergency care. Take the time to learn the vet’s availability to see if their schedule will fit with yours.
Rates/fees
Talking about money can be uncomfortable, but Dr. Hood advises asking the questions anyway. “Don’t be shy to ask about costs and payment options. A good vet will be transparent about these things.” The cost of veterinary care varies between practices and between regions. Some practices may offer payment plans or care packages to help spread payments throughout the year, rather than getting hit with a large bill at each annual visit. Some practices may have a benevolence fund or discounts for pet parents who can’t afford the care their pet needs. Knowing your options ahead of time reduces stress when emergencies pop up.
Do they accept pet insurance?
Pet insurance is always good to have. There are many options to choose from, but they all offer peace of mind when emergencies occur. If you are planning to have pet insurance, you should check with the vet to see how they handle it. Some practices may take care of the pet insurance process for you, and some may give guidance on how to submit claims for reimbursement. It’s important to get clarification on the process before you find yourself in a position where you need to use your pet’s insurance.
Communication options
We don’t usually think about this ahead of time, but there will be times when you will need to get in touch with your pet’s care provider. There may be a question you need to ask a veterinarian, you may need to check on vaccination records for a grooming appointment, or you may just need to schedule your pet’s annual exam. Knowing how to get in touch and what to expect when communicating with your provider will alleviate some of the frustration and anxiety. Some vets will return calls themselves, some will relay a message through a technician, some will respond to messages via a portal, etc. Ask how your vet communicates and what you can expect to help you decide if that type of communication will work for you. One way to keep in touch with your vet and help you stay on top of your pet’s needs is through a GreatPetCare account.
Buying medication
There comes a point when our pets need some type of medication to treat an illness or to help them live more comfortably. Ask the vet how they handle pet medications so you know what to expect should the need arise. Larger veterinary practices may dispense the meds themselves, and some may provide a prescription for you to fill. No matter the approach, your vet should be able to explain exactly how to get the meds your pet needs and how much they will cost.
Vet’s approach to medicine
As with human medicine, veterinary medicine is constantly evolving and improving. It’s a good idea to ask a potential vet about their general approach to medicine, and if they stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry. Their response will give you an idea if they have a more holistic or integrated approach to treating pets. This would also be a good time to ask if the practice offers after-hours emergency care and surgical procedures. If the vet does not offer these services, ask how they handle emergencies.
How many vets are at the practice
Similar to a doctor’s office, a veterinarian’s office can have a single provider or many providers available. When deciding whether a vet is a good fit for you and your pet, find out how many doctors are at the practice.
If there are many, Dr. Brandrup advises pet parents to ask, “Will I be working with a specific doctor or would I be scheduled with the first available one?” Depending on the answer, you may or may not feel comfortable with how the practice manages patient care. While having a single provider for your pet would be beneficial for building a relationship, having multiple providers available can increase availability to see your pet when they need care.
When to Consider Switching Vets
Despite our best efforts, sometimes our chosen vet is not the right fit. There can be a number of reasons for this. Even if your vet has great reviews, if they are not meeting your needs, it’s okay to make the switch. Consider the following when making your decision and transition.
Reasons for switching
If you’re not happy with your vet, you may be on the fence about making a switch. These are some reasons why a switch is warranted:
- You and/or your pet are treated poorly
- Your provider is not upfront about costs and options for care
- Your pet has been misdiagnosed
- Your provider comes across as insensitive to you and/or your pet
- Your provider is a poor communicator
While you may have been with your vet for a while, receiving poor service is a reason to leave. Dr. Brandrup elaborates, “Never feel bad about switching. If you feel that you are not getting adequate care for your pet, then it is a sign that you should be looking elsewhere. Lack of communication is also a big red flag. If you feel that you are not being listened to or that your concerns are not regarded, then it is best to switch.”
What to do when switching
When you make the decision to switch, be sure to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are a few things to remember in this scenario:
- Request your pet’s records from your current vet
- Let your current vet know why you are leaving
- Find another vet before leaving to avoid a lapse in care
While it may feel uncomfortable to reach out for records and to let the vet know why you are leaving, it will ultimately make life easier for you. It will also give important feedback to the vet to help them improve their practice moving forward.
Finding a Good Veterinarian Is Just the Start
When you find a veterinarian who is a great fit for you and your pet, your job is not done! Pets need regular checkups and vaccinations to stay healthy. Stay on top of your pet’s annual appointments by scheduling ahead of time. Pay attention to your pet’s habits so you will be aware if there are any issues that need attention. Conveniently, you can use the GreatPetCare account to keep track of your pet’s appointments and vaccinations, and even keep notes on their behavior for your next appointment.
Remember, finding the best vet for your pet is just the first step in this long-term relationship. “The best way to partner with your local vet is to think of it as a team effort,” Dr. Brandrup advises. “[We] take our jobs very seriously, but we need to remember that the decisions we make for pets will also affect the owner. That is why when it comes to creating an exceptional partnership, teamwork is essential.”
Dr. Hood adds, “Open communication is essential. Share all changes you notice in your pet, even if they seem small. Be honest about your pet’s lifestyle and diet. Ensure you follow through with recommended treatments and preventative care, and always ask questions for clarity when you need it. Remember — you know your pet better than anyone. Your vet should be available to offer help and guidance to keep your pet healthy and living [their] best normal life.”
